Arrest made in Eldred bank robbery

The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of 52-year-old John Armbruster in connection with the robbery of the First National Bank of Jeffersonville branch in Eldred. Armbruster was taken into custody on February 24.

Officials say the suspect entered the bank on February 17 at about 10 a.m. He reportedly handed a note to the teller that said that he had a gun. He did not show the weapon, but he was able to flee the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Sheriff’s deputies followed numerous leads for the next week, which ultimately led them to the suspect. He was located in the parking lot of Stewart’s Shop at the corner of High Street and Pleasant Avenue in the Village of Monticello, and arrested without incident.

Detectives then executed a search of his vehicle and his room at the Heritage Inn on Broadway in Monticello. He was charged with felony charges of robbery and grand larceny, and sent to Sullivan County Jail in lieu of $80,000 bail.

Sheriff Mike Schiff thanked the district attorney's office, NYS police and Town of Highland constables for their assistance in the investigation.